USB Group Working On Slimmer, Reversible Connector

The USB Implemeters Forum and the USB 3.0 Promoters Group today announced that they have begun development on the next-generation of USB connectors. According to the USB-IF the new USB connector, referred to as Type-C, will be based on the existing USB 3.1 and 2.0 specifications, but will use an entirely new design that is smaller and more apt to work with slim electronics. The new connector will do away with the fixed orientation of today's USB 2.0 and 3.0 plugs, and will use a unidirectional connector that can be inserted either way. The Type-C connector will also support scalable power charging and will be future-proofed so it can meet increased bus performance and speeds in the future. The new plug will not be backward compatible with older devices, so the standards groups will also create a series of adapters to work with the Type-C connector. The USB-IF says the specification should be drafted by the end of the first quarter of 2014 and finalized by the middle of next year.